Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted has officially joined Voivod. Jasonic (Newsted's new given moniker) is also producing the group's upcoming release, "The Multiverse," on the Chophouse Records label (in association with Surfdog Records). Other band members are: Snake (aka Denis Belanger) on vocals, Piggy (aka Denis D'Amour) on guitar and Away (aka Michel Langevin) on drums.
Long-time friends and pioneers of metal music, the four musicians first began working together at Newsted's Chophouse studio in 1995, intent on keeping the music alive between busy touring schedules. However, with his departure from Metallica in January 2001, Newsted was free to work on other projects, which could now be more than just hobbies.
"Those who know Voivod respect Voivod around the globe," says Newsted. "This is the new beginning for all of us. We're the same age, raised on the same music. We've been through a lot of similar situations. All 4 of us are having such a good time writing our metal music together, in one room – bashing it out, it's real again!!"
The band plans to tour extensively in North America and Europe, following the album's spring 2003 release.
